Viktoras in a continuation with his look at his ngSkinTools for Maya, adds another post. This time showing how to use ngSkinTools’ layers and layering system.
ngSkinTools is a character skinning plugin for Autodesk Maya that doesn’t require or use any special nodes. The plugin operates on standard maya’s skinClusters (also known as “smooth skin”), so no custom nodes will be introduced to your rig.
ngSkinTools uses photoshop style layers for intuitive and controlled painting skin weights. Having a layered system like this allows you to focus more on painting, rather than the tedium of locking influences and micromanaging weights.
The plugin does actually have a couple of custom nodes. However they are only required until the rigging is finished. They can be deleted after, so your work should stay compatible with most pipelines that are in use.
Check out ngSkinTools for Maya for more information and a download.
